Apprentices arrive at the Playhouse to hone their talent

Sunday

May 19, 2013 at 4:00 AM

Special to the Times-News

Flat Rock Playhouse Apprentice Program participants began arriving Saturday for a summer of training, and many will perform in the Playhouse's professional productions alongside Broadway stars. YouTheatre students also will be featured in the professional productions. The Vagabond Players were founded in 1936, and from the inception of the company, training theater artists has been a key part of the mission. Over the years, more than 1,000 students have been apprentices at the Playhouse. Many continue to be a part of the company and the full-time Playhouse staff. Staff members who were part of either the apprentice, intern or YouTheatre programs are Lisa K. Bryant, Ashli Arnold, Lindsey Moss, Lynn Llewellyn Penny, Jesse Siak, Kylee Odom, Dan Gibson, Lauren Rogers, Renee Heffel, James Johnson and Dennis Maulden."I started taking classes with the YouTheatre back in 1992 at the age of 7," Rogers said. "The Playhouse quickly became my second home. I am a graduate of the YouTheatre and apprentice programs. Because of my wonderful teachers and mentors who fostered my love of the arts, I am the person I am today. "I am currently teaching and choreographing for the YouTheatre, and in the summertime, I'm the apprentice director," Rogers said. "I love that I'm able to give back to the place that gave me so much growing up. Arts education is so important, and I am very thankful that I get to be a part of these amazing programs. I know how important education was to our founder, Robroy (Farquhar), and as we carry on his mission, I know that we will take great care of the foundation that he created."Potential apprentices audition and interview for a place in the program. Once accepted, they join a company of up to 16 fellow apprentices. First-year apprentices receive a weekly stipend, along with room and board for the session. They audition for roles in professional productions, perform at the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site, perform in weekly cabarets and annual summer fundraisers, develop a showcase performance, attend master classes taught by the professional company, work in other technical roles around the Playhouse and earn college credits through their schools. Upon completion of the first year, an apprentice might be invited back for a second session. Second-year apprentices enjoy all of the performing and learning opportunities but also assume a role of leadership in the company. They serve as big brothers and big sisters to the first-year company. A second-year apprentice also receives a weekly stipend and is provided with room and board.This year, apprentices will perform in professional productions alongside experienced actors. One apprentice will perform in "Evita" in the role of Mistress. Children cast in the shows are twins Samantha Penny and Clancy Penny (Young Cosette), Michelle Foster (Young Eponine) and Clark MacDonald (Gavroche) in "Les Miserables." Second-year apprentices are Katie Zanca, Elon University; Ethan Andersen, Elon University; Catharine Kay, Shenandoah University; Jeff Sundheim, Liberty University.First-year apprentices are Katie Mooney, Morehead State University; Tara Lynn Steele, University of Alabama; J. Morgan Shaffo, Western Kentucky University; Lorin Zackular, Emerson College; Leah Greene, Elon University; Sara Spadacene, Elon University; Patrick Dinnsen, Elon University; Patton Chandler, The Hartt School; Critter Manley, Elon University; Adam Vanek, University of Alabama; Nate Huntley, Shenandoah University; and Ryan Burch, Elon University. Famous alumni of the education programs at Flat Rock Playhouse include television actors Kyle MacLachlan ("Twin Peaks," "Portlandia") and Christoph Sanders ("Ghost Whisperer"), choreographer Chase Brock ("Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark") and Broadway actors Nick Kepley ("Mary Poppins"), Ben Hope ("Once") and Turner Rouse Jr. ("American Idiot").

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